Papillomavirus infection is one of the most common viral diseases of the skin and mucous membranes. Almost every person encounters one or another of its manifestations at least once in his life. More than 100 types of human papillomavirus (HPV) are known, each of which causes neoplasms of a certain type and location: papillomas on the body, mucous membranes, raised and flat warts on the arms and legs, genital warts and other growths. Papillomas can be single or multiple. Choosing an effective treatment for papillomas is not an easy task, so it is better to entrust it to a dermatovenerologist.
Types of HPV drugs
Drugs used in the treatment of HPV are divided into the following groups:
- Antiviral drugs.
- Immunostimulants.
- Means for the destruction of neoplasms.
First, you need to determine the nature of the neoplasm: it is sometimes difficult to distinguish a papilloma from a mole or condyloma. Then, using PCR analysis, determine the type of virus, because some contribute to the development of malignant neoplasms. Anti-papilloma drugs can be used together or separately.
Antiviral drugs
Medical treatment of skin neoplasms caused by HPV is rarely complete without drugs from this group. They have a harmful effect on the virus, prevent its reproduction, have an immunomodulatory effect.
Pharmaceutical preparations produced in several dosage forms are especially popular: injections, tablets, suppositories, ointments and gels. Usually, local application with single formulations may be sufficient.
Antiviral ointments and gels are prescribed before and after laser therapy, electrocoagulation procedure, and after that ensure high efficiency of treatment and prevention of relapses.
What are the indications for the appointment of systemic antiviral drugs:
- PCR-confirmed high and potentially high oncological risk HPV infection;
- many papillomas on the body (this indicates high HPV activity);
- primary and secondary immunodeficiency states (when the body itself cannot cope with the viral load).
Antiviral drugs (injections and tablets) are contraindicated:
- during pregnancy;
- during lactation;
- with individual intolerance.
Most drugs are sold by prescription.
Which antiviral drugs are considered the most effective and are able to get rid of papillomas?
Inosine tablets
The drug is available in tablets. This is one of the most popular treatments for papilloma today. The active ingredient is inosine (purine derivative). Has a complex effect:
- blocks the enzymes of the virus, causing its death;
- activates interferon production;
- activates lymphocytes;
- prevents the formation of inflammatory mediators.
2 tablets per day are prescribed for 2 weeks, if necessary, it is possible to extend the course of treatment up to a month. It can be used in children over 3 years old.
Nausea, headache, exacerbation of gout may occur during reception.
Medicines based on meglumine acridone acetate
The drug is available in two forms: injections and tablets. The active ingredient is meglumine acridone acetate. The mechanism of action is the induction of interferon.
Effects:
- antiviral;
- immunomodulator;
- anti-inflammatory.
Intramuscular injections of the drug are given daily, up to 10 injections per course.
Agents based on a glycoside isolated from nightshade stems
Release form: solution for intravenous injection, ointment, gel spray inlay for the treatment of the oral cavity, gel spray intimate for the treatment of genital papillomas. The active ingredient is a glycoside isolated from nightshade stems.
This is a modern anti-virus tool with a wide spectrum of activity:
- anti-inflammatory,
- immunomodulator,
- promotes tissue regeneration.
Intravenous injection is prescribed according to the scheme: the first 3 times in 2 days, the next 5 times in 3 days. Local preparations and injections are generally well tolerated. It is allowed to use ointment and gel during pregnancy and lactation.
Immunostimulants
Multiple papillomas often indicate a malfunction in the body. Medicines in this group have a stimulating effect on the immune system. Before use, consultation with an immunologist and additional examination (immunogram) is necessary.
By themselves, immunostimulants cannot get rid of external manifestations of human papillomavirus. However, with confirmed immunodeficiency, they should be included in the HPV treatment complex. They are compatible with antiviral drugs, antibiotics, antifungal agents.
The use of immunostimulants is prohibited:
- during pregnancy;
- lactation;
- individual intolerance.
They are sold in pharmacies with a prescription. Which of the drugs in this group is more effective?
Compositions for the destruction of papillomas
Drugs of this group have a direct medicinal effect on papillomas. They contain aggressive components that destroy epithelial cells. Which of them is the most popular among doctors and patients and can get rid of HPV-related skin neoplasms?
Freezing medicine
Papilloma is affected by a temperature of -57 ° C, which causes disruption of its blood supply and necrosis. The drug is sold in a pharmacy without a prescription.
The product should not be used on areas with delicate skin (face, axillary area, intimate areas) and mucous membranes.
The kit includes a bottle with a mixture of propane and dimethyl ether, a plastic holder and foam rubber applicators. Several formations can be processed in one session. Exposure time depends on the size of the papilloma, but should not exceed 40 seconds. Papillomas fall off in 10-14 days. 1 to 4 procedures are required to remove the mold.
Drops based on methacrysol
Drops for external use with an applicator. This is a relatively new effective drug for papillomas. The main component is metacresol. It has a cauterizing effect, causes the death of the virus and the destruction of the neoplasm.
The medicine is applied to the elements very carefully, pointwise. If a drop of the solution falls on the surrounding healthy tissue, it should be immediately removed with a dry cotton swab. Small papillomas on the body are treated once, larger papillomas are treated 3-4 times, with an interval of a few minutes, after the previous layer has dried.
Papillomas located in skin folds and interdigital spaces cannot be treated with medicine.
It is better to entrust the removal of neoplasms in the anogenital zone to a medical professional.
A preparation based on a mixture of acids
The release form is a bottle with a solution, a plastic applicator for local application and a glass capillary for the treatment of large surfaces.
The drug contains a mixture of acids: trichloroacetic, oxalic, nitric and lactic. Drops of the solution cause a chemical burn of the tissue, which causes mummification of the papillomas.
The agent is gently applied to the affected area until the color changes. After the effect of this drug on the papilloma, a crust is formed on its surface, which disappears after 10-12 days. If the effect is insufficient, the procedure should be repeated.
Treatment results
After the use of drugs, the DNA of the virus remains in the human body. The purpose of using drugs for papilloma is to get rid of external manifestations, strengthen immunity and achieve the transition of HPV infection into a latent form. Only local effect is possible with single formations on the body. In other cases, its effectiveness is 25-50%.
What conditions are needed to get the best results?
- full diagnostics;
- combined approach to treatment;
- choosing the optimal treatment regimen.
Therefore, the key to successful treatment of papillomavirus is to seek medical help in time. There are many drugs for papilloma, and a specialist must determine which one is best for a person in each case.